Anti-drone technology being installed at Gatwick and Heathrow

Anti-drone technology is to be installed at Gatwick and Heathrow airports following three days of flight disruption at Gatwick last month.

The technology can detect drones and block communications between drones and operators.

Gatwick said it had spent £5 million on equipment to prevent future attacks and Heathrow confirmed it would also be investing in systems.

Neither airport would disclose details about the systems they have installed.

A spokesman for Heathrow said: "The safety of our passengers and colleagues remains our top priority. Working closely with relevant authorities including the Met Police, we are constantly looking at the best technologies that help remove the threat of drones."

The investment comes after drone sightings around Gatwick forced around 1,000 flights to be cancelled over three days on December 19 and 21, impacting more than 140,000 passengers.

An investigation into the sightings is ongoing and the airport has offered a £50,000 reward for information.Sussex Police are currently examining relevant sightings by 115 witnesses. They say 93 are from credible witnesses, including a pilot, airport staff and police officers.